Frankfurt 2017: Maserati updates entire range

Part of the update includes a shift to electric power steering in the Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte and the Levante

At the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, Maserati brought in an updated version of their entire range of cars. The refreshed Ghibli will now come fitted with Adaptive full LED headlights lights with glare free high beam. The Ghibli also sports notable changes to the exterior and will now come with a longer list of tech. Just like the Quattroporte, the Ghibli too will be offered in two trims – GranLusso and GranSport. For those who prefer luxury, the GranLusso comes with a distinguished exterior finish and an interior has been fitted with Ermenegildo Zegna silk upholstery. The GranSport, as the name rightly suggests, has been given a sportier treatment on the outside as well the inside. The front and rear bumpers of both these trims have been remoulded too. With all the changes to its design, Maserati claims that the aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 7 percent. At 424 horses and 580N, the top-spec Ghibli S or the S Q4 make 20hp and 30Nm more than the outgoing model. This has allowed it an increase in top-speed to 286km/h. Acceleration too has improved marginally. In terms of features, the Ghibli now comes with Integrated Vehicle Control system (IVC) that helps improve driving dynamics.

Just like the Ghibli, the Quattroporte too comes fitted with Adaptive full LED headlights now. This one too comes with the same engine as the Ghibli – a 3.0-litre V6 that pumps out 424bhp and 580Nm. As a result of the marginal increase in power and torque, the Quattroporte too can cross the 100km/h mark marginally faster and record a slightly higher top-speed too.

Maserati stepped into the world of SUVs last year, with the launch of the Levante. While the SUV offering hasn’t received a substantial update, the Italian car maker has fitted the 2018 iteration with electric power steering. The case is the same with the Ghibli and the Quattroporte. This shift has essentially allowed all three cars to be equipped with features like Highway Assist (HA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Active Blindspot Assist and more.

Previously, Maserati has refrained from using electric power steering in its cars knowing that it tends to feel rather artificial. But in order to bring in the aforementioned semi-autonomous technologies in their cars, the company had unwilling make a shift.

Meanwhile, the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio too have received some cosmetic updates, improved ergonomics, and better infotainment system. Thankfully though, both these cars continue with the traditional hydraulic steering system.